Steering Box Selection

[ssanto]

I think I've learned something from my reading, lemme know if this is right...

"600" series and "670" steering boxes are all new
"700" and "800" series are remanufactured

Furthermore, I think I can now simply spot the reman boxes by looking at them. Any box that has the standard looking cast-iron housing is a reman (700 or 800). Anything with a "different" looking housing is all new.

So now if I'm able to separate all the remans from the new boxes, and I assume that all the brand-new boxes will meet my needs, then the next step is to differentiate between the quality of different reman units to see which one of those might be the best value. Make sense?

And another question... when some box manufactures claim "new rack and pinion technology", is that something solely associated with the newer 600 series boxes? Do all the newer 600 series boxes essentially have "rack and pinion" technology" Do all reman 700/800 boxes not have "rack and pinion technology"? Or is that all just marketing smoke and mirrors?

Here is my updated list of boxes:

• Borgeson
  
  • The box for $495 from RiteTech is a "800" box which means it is a remanufactured
  
  
• Sweet
  
  • The 208-12250 box for $556 from Speedway motors is a "700" box which means it is a remanufactured
  
  
• TurnOne
  
  • 600 box for $800 at ridetech is all new
  
  
• AGR
  
  • The AGR 225153 box for $509 at Summit doesn't specify a series but I'll bet it is a remanufactured
  
  
• Lee
  
  • 670 box (which I cannot find anywhere to purchase) is a brand new "600" series box
  
  
• Pro-ToruingF-Body
  
  • The 670 box for $679 is a brand new "600" series box
  • The 700 box for $479 is a remanufactured box
  
  
• ACDelco
  
  • IROC Z box for $150 at Autozone doesn't claim any "series" number but is clearly a remanufactured.
  
  

Do I have that right?

[79T/Aman]

you are close. 700/800 boxes have the big round cover on the front and all will be remaned HOWEVER, the ones we sell and those from Sweet and Lee are built boxes not mas production remanufactured as those from the auto part store, equivalent to a custom built engine VS a remaned, that is why the cost is much higher new internals just a used case.
Now you also have new off shore boxes hitting the market, bottom line if the price is not $700 and up for a NEW box they are not worth getting and service parts on some are non existent.
Be aware there are Remaned 600 series boxes on the market now.
Also both 600 and 700/800 can be had in plane cast or plated with the "plating de-jour" ceramic, zinc, gold clear shinny...etc. so it is not a way to tell some charge extra $100 for the platting others plate all their boxes before assembly making it relatively inexpensive.

all US made true 600series/670 boxes will have the R&P servo, look at the picture of the one I posted, the case is plated cast iron but the servo (where the lines fit in) that is a bolt on aluminum R&P servo, others are cast iron to make it cheaper.

As far as the best built 700/800 boxes go you have many choices PTFB PT box, Sweet, Lee, Turn one of the names you know and all of them will be very equal.

There also is a NEW 800 box made for racing, one company even made an all aluminum version, not sure if both are still even available, the trouble is the general public does not know about product unless it is marketed, and some of the best product comes from the true dedicated shops and companies that don't spend a big amount on marketing.

[ssanto]

Thanks. This has been very helpful!!

One last question... OK, probably not

What is the difference in feel/performance of a well-made US built 700/800 reman (like the PTFB PT box) and a 600/670 box?

[79T/Aman]

the PTFB PT (pro-touring) box is a built 700 box not a remaned 600.

inherently the 700/800 are going to be looser they just aren't as tight, even a well built one there is only so much that can be done, if you want a tight modern feel the 670 is the way to go

[ssanto]

the PTFB PT (pro-touring) box is a built 700 box not a remaned 600.

Oh yes. I mistyped. I'll edit my post so I don't confuse future generations who find this!